NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visits Ankara for summit preparations

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is scheduled to visit Ankara on April 21-22, 2026, to hold high-level meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Defense Minister Yasar Guler. The visit focuses on preparations for the upcoming NATO summit, which will be held in Ankara on July 7-8, 2026, with an expected attendance of 6,000 delegates. Key agenda items for the summit include security policy, regional stability in the Gulf, the F-35 fighter jet procurement process for Turkey, and the establishment of a security structure in the Strait of Hormuz. Turkish reports indicate that discussions may also cover bilateral relations with Greece, the Cyprus issue, and the role of Turkish defense industries in European security. Preparations for the July summit involve significant infrastructure upgrades in Ankara, including the expansion of the Etimesgut military airport and the construction of new housing for delegations. Parallel to the summit, a defense industry forum is planned at the ATO Congressium. While some Turkish media link the visit to Aegean and Mediterranean security, the official agenda prioritizes the logistical and strategic organization of the NATO alliance's major upcoming gathering.